Gavit was replying to debate on an adjournment motion on a related subject in the Legislative Council. The notice of motion was given by member Azhar Hussein. The latter alleged that several gangs engaged in selling adulterated milk were operational Statewide, especially in Mumbai. Hussein alleged that these gangs purchase milk from Government milk distribution centres at cheaper rates, adulterate the same and sell it under the brand name of famous dairies like Gokul, Aarey and Mahananda.

``These gangs operate in connivance with the police and local Government authorities. They get duplicate plastic bags with famous brand names printed from the open market and supply adulterated milk in the same bags to residential areas, as well as restaurants.This milk can prove hazardous to health. The Government has not taken any action against these gangs,'' Hussein said. His feelings were echoed by members Vyamkappa Patki, Arun Mehta, Vasant Chavan, Arvind Sawant, Shishir Shinde and others.

Replying to angry members, Gavit said the Government was alert and had been taking action from time to time. ``On March 30, 1999, the Santacruz police raided one such gang at Juhu Tara road, Santacruz West at around 5 am. Four persons were arrested and produced before the metropolitan magistrate. However, the court released them on bail of Rs 5,000 each,'' the Minister said.

He added that mere raids at frequent intervals were not an effective measure to control these gangs and that the law needed to be made more stringent. ``The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954 and related laws are under the purview of the Union Government. The State Government is seriously thinking about recommending the Union Government to amend the Act, making the offense cognizable andnon-bailable. This will create a fear in the minds of the anti-social elements involved in such rackets, especially milk adulteration, going on in all major cities of the State,'' Gavit said.

He added that a total of 126 people were arrested in 1995-96, 56 in 1996-97 and 127 in 1997-98 for selling adulterated milk in different parts of the State. Minister of State for Home, Ramdas Kadam, assured the House that all the culprits behind the Santacruz milk adulteration case will be arrested at the earliest.